First Melt of Spruce Pine

I charged with Spruce Pine Batch last night. It looks good. I am not sure if I got a good squeeze as I started too late last night but it is be good for a first night run.
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The Stemwall

Here is a photo of the south side of the barn. The stemwall is up and Chris is coming tomorrow to fill the space with dirt and then top it with cement. Looking Good! 

Family Truckster

The 1986 Coachmen, this baby is wonderous. 

Working and Playing

Brent made it off to Tuscon yesterday. He took his truck. I hope he has a good journey and a good show. I also hope I can keep up on everything that needs to be done around this place.
Chris Camden came in and is pour us a pad for a major expansion. It is going to add about 1000 square feet to the building. Huge. I am very excited and give Chris many thanks. Pictures to follow.
All is well.
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aboatman - aboatman's Google Page

aboatman - aboatman's Google Page
Google is expanding and allowing for easy website creation. Blogger is great. This new web creation service is really cool.
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Stand Needed

I am working on this vase shape that is amphoric. There is no flat spot on the bottom or a foot to stand upon. I need a little stand for this, either a circle or a U shaped hook to hold the glass. It is a nice shape and fun to make. I will post a photo sometime, along with all the other photos I have promised.
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C- Town

Chicago, Chicago your my kind of town. Buck Rogers sang that upon reentry to the earth. Odd what we remember.
I went to Chicago Hot Glass yesterday. I hit it at a down time around noon. I got pretty much lost in the city and did not make it back for the 6:00 blowing session. I hope I can make it today but I planned on this being Museum day. We shall see when it is I need to hit the road. They are making some great glass here. Ian is making these huge fishing lures. He was going to do one last night so I am really bummed I missed it.
I am staying in Bucktown at Ray's B&B. I highly recommend it if you are passing through Chicago and need a place to stay.

Furnace heating UP

This is the opening of the door on the new furnace. It is about 900 degrees in this photo maybe even cooler. The glass furnace is now sitting at 2100 degrees. It produces a very nice glass indeed.
You remember how Ferris spoke of the car they took out for a spin around Chicago. If you have the means I would highly recommend getting one.
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Uncle Denny's Platter

Brent made this platter for his Uncle Denny. 

chicago hot glass

chicago hot glass
I am heading to Chicago next week for a couple of days. It should be a hoot. There is more to do in Chicago then I ever imagined. I would like to spend a day at the Museums and walking around and then a day at the Chicago Hot Glass studio. Best laid plans.
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going and blowing

We are busy busy. Brent is heading to Tucson at the end of this month, then to San Antinio, and on then to Deep Ellum in Dallas. We have a lot of glass to make between now and then. We created some wedding glasses for a couple. They have turned out nicely thus far. They have been interesting to make. Good progress. Not one to huirry the wedding is next weekend.
We are teaching a group of girl scouts glassblowing over the next couple of days.
I have been thinking of glass as a team building excersize. What fun it would be to have a office of folks come out and work together. Create. Are you interested in having a unique experience for your team members or office? Think about scheduling a glass blowing session. Good stuff.
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